Toilet compartment



March 29, 1966 P. E. PARSONS 3,242,519

TOILET COMPARTMENT Filed May 2, 1962 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 75 INVENTOR.

ATTORNEYS.

March 1966 P. E. PARSONS 3,242,619

TOILET COMPARTMEN'I' INVENTOR- Paeaz f. PAZSflMS ATTORNEYS.

3 Sheets-Sheet 3 Filed May 2, 1962 ATTORNEYS.

5 W m5 me A P f E 6 M E P w u 0 J L t i 2 9 w w r United States Patent 3,242,619 TOILET COMPARTMENT Pearce E. Parsons, 11535 NE. 8th Ave., Miami, Fla. Filed May 2, 1962, Ser. No. 191,845 3 Claims. (Cl. 5264) This invention relates to an improved compartment and a method of installing the same, and has particular applicability to a toilet compartment, although not necessarily limited thereto.

A primary object f the invention is the provision of an improved toilet compartment or the like characterized by panels, stiles, and doors together with a horizontally mounted support member for supporting the panels and their associated stiles and doors wholly from the wall of the toilet room.

An additional object of the invention is the provision of a method of installation of compartment partitions or panels and their correlated members in single or multiple toilet rooms whereby the partitions and stiles or pilasters are supported solely by the wall of the room, thus contributing to better sanitary conditions with a minimum amount of cleaning time labor, and which facilitates the installation of the compartment components with a minimum of time, labor, and expense.

As conducive to a clearer understanding of this invention, it may be pointed out that toilet compartments as hitherto installed in single or multiple toilet public toilet rooms, have been fabricated or manufactured from plywood, marble, sheet metal, porcelainized ena-meling iron, or plastic laminates which may be bonded to cores of plywood, chipboard, paper honeycomb, or the like.

A further object of the invention is the provision of such a compartment, the use and advantages of which are so well known and accepted in modern construction as to require no description of their function, all of the components of which are integrally formed of molded plastic. The fact that plastic materials of varying types having very high strength to weight ratio and can be readily molded to a wide variety f designs and specifications, renders the advantages of such a construction readily apparent. However, other materials may be used, if expedient.

At the present time there are three principal methods of supporting toilet compartments, which comprise, first, floor supported panels and stiles, second, floor supported panels and stiles with head rail bracing, and third, ceiling supported. Attempts have been made to support such partitions solely from the wall, but hitherto due to the inadequacy of support, in relation to the weight of the components, such efforts have not been commercially practicable. A further very important object of this invention is, therefore, the provision of a wall hung type of toilet compartment wherein the several components are mounted on a single mounting member of any suitable material, fabricated into a size and shape engineered to carry the weight of all a compartments components, and which is sufficiently strong to compensate for all normal stresses and strains to which a toilet compartment in general usage may be subjected.

Heretofore, additional rigid anchorage has been necessary to secure toilet compartments of the floor supported, ceiling supported, or wall hung type, and has involved the engineering or placing of structural members into the construction of a toilet room prior to the finishing of such a room. This practice is costly and time consuming, and requires generally the use of mounting bolts which are attached to structural members before such members are placed in position and fastened. As the floors and ceilings of such a toilet room are finished, the mechanics of various trades must work around such 3,242,619 Patented Mar. 29, 1966 mounting bolts, which frequently results in the threads of these bolts being damaged or filled with plaster, the bolts themselves sometimes being bent, covered, or concealed. In the event that such bolts are incorrectly spaced, as frequently occurs, the repair and repositioning of such bolts is so costly as to render the entire operation unprofitable.

An additional important object of this invention is, therefore, the provision of a horizontally positioned mounting member which is installed after the walls of the toilet room have been finished completely, or on the wall of a remodeled existing toilet room. With such a support member securely fastened to the inside wall of a toilet room a simple and practical means of supporting wall hung toilet compartments is provided with minimum materials and labor costs.

A more specific object of the invention is the provision of a horizontal mounting member of this character which, in addition to its primary function, may be so dimensioned as to provide a built-in parcel or purse shelf in such a compartment, and which may be also designed so as to incorporate a mirror as well as toilet room accessories for the dispensing and disposal of various articles, such as facial tissues, sanitary seat covers, and the like.

A further object of the invention resides in the provision of components such as panels, which may be mounted in any suitable location along the horizontal support, so as to permit a variation in the width of the compartment so as to accommodate different width doors. By this arrangement many errors in spacing can be eliminated, since the compartment door may be readily manufactured in a variety of dimensions, with a minimum of effort and difficulty.

A further object of the invention is the provision of a toilet compartment of this character which is sturdy and durable in construction and relatively simple and inexpensive to install.

Still other objects reside in the combinations of elements, arrangements of parts, and features of construction, all as will be more fully pointed out hereinafter, and disclosed in the accompanying drawings wherein there are shown preferred embodiments of this inventive concept.

In the drawings:

FIGURE 1 is a top plan view of a plurality of toilet compartments showing a composite assembly of various types of components employed in conjunction with the instant invention, certain concealed parts being indicated in dotted lines.

FIGURE 2 is a sectional view taken substantially along the line 22 of FIGURE 1 as viewed in the direction indicated by the arrows.

FIGURE 3 is a front elevational view of the construction of FIGURE 1, the doors being omitted.

FIGURE 4 is an enlarged detailed sectional view taken substantially along the line 44 of FIGURE 2 as viewed in the direction indicated by the arrows.

FIGURE 5 is a fragmentary view similar to FIGURE 2, but showing a modified type of mounting member.

FIGURE 6 is an enlarged sectional view taken substantially along the line 66 of FIGURE 5 as viewed in the direction indicated by the arrows.

FIGURE 7 is an end panel exposed to the interior of the toilet room.

FIGURE 8 is a sectional view similar to FIGURE 5 but showing a modified form of construction including an interiorly mounted wall facing panel.

FIGURE 9 is a sectional view taken substantially along the line 9-9 of FIGURE 8 as viewed in the direction indicated by the arrows; and

FIGURE is an enlarged sectional view taken substantially along the line 1010 of FIGURE 1 as viewed in the direction indicated by the arrows.

Similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the several views of the drawing.

Having reference now to the drawings in detail, and more particularly to FIGURES 1 and 3, there is shown, for illustrative purposes, a composite arrangement of the several components incorporated in the formation of the toilet compartment in accordance with the instant invention, it being understood that the components may be varied as to relative position in accordance with the size of the toilet or other partitioned room, the desired arrangement of the compartments, and the arrangement of the toilet facilities therein. There are disclosed three compartments 15, 16, and 17. Compartment is, in the illustrative embodiment shown, at the intersection or corner 18 of a rear wall 19 and a side wall 20, and contains the usual toilet facilities 21. One side of the compartment is obviously closed by the wall 20, upon which is positioned an adjustable stile, generally indicated at 22, and to be more fully described hereinafter, which carries either the hinges, or the latch mechanism of a door in accordance with the direction in which it is desired to have the door open.

The opposite side of compartment 15 is shown as closed by an end panel generally indicated at 24. End panel 24 would normally not be used for such a purpose, but as a closure for the end compartment of a row of compartments, for the purpose of dividing the end compartment from the remainder of the room and is shown in the position illustrated merely for compactness of illustration. End panel 24 will also be more fully described hereinafter.

Compartments 15 and 16 are divided by a standard panel or partition, generally indicated at 25, and comprising a basic component of the instant invention since such a panel is used between adjacent compartments, and more frequently than other components of the instant invention. 1

The end stall 17 has its opposite side closed by a wall panel 26 also to be more fully described hereinafter.

It is to be noted that while open end panel 24 is disclosed as enclosing the right hand side of compartment 16 and wall panel 26 is shown as closing the left hand side, both panels may be made in either right or left hand models as desired.

All of panels 24, 25, and 26 arranged in any desired combination in accordance with the number of toilet compartments desired, and the positioning thereof, are adapted to be primarily supported by a single horizontal support member generally indicated at 30.

In one form of the invention the support 30 takes the form of a T-shaped member having a head 31 and a stem 32, the head being secured to the wall 19 in any desired conventional manner, such for example, as by means of lag bolts and expansion shields, bolts and tampins, toggle bolts, or the like, as indicated at 33. Ste-m 32 has a continuous keyway as indicated by 34.

Referring back now to panel 25, which is probably the most extensively used panel, since it is employed to divide all adjacent compartments, the same is comprised of a plate or partition member 35 having a top flange 36 and a front flange 37, which is broadened to form a stile. The stile 37 is adapted to have mounted thereon either hinge members 38, as shown in FIGURE 2, or conventional latch members (not shown) for doors 39, in accordance with the direction in which it is desired to have the door swing. Panel is tapered outwardly at its rear end to provide a thickened rear wall 40, which is formed with a recess or slot 41, which may be surrounded by a flange 42 on each side of the partition, the slot 41 extending entirely therethrough, the stem 32 of member being adapted to fit relatively tightly within lot 41,

but not to an extent to exclude the lateri-al silding of panel or divider 25 to insure proper positioning.

The upper portion 42:: of flange 42 is provided with a keyway 43 which aligns with keyway 34, and after the partition 25 has been suitably located and exactly spaced, a key 44 precut as to length, is inserted in the aligned keyways 34 and 43, loosely to retain the parts in assembled relation, until such time as complete assembly is desired. At this time tape-red wedges 45 are inserted above the key 44 from either end until a snug tight assembly is assured, and wedges 45 are then severed or cut off in flush relation with the edges of flange 42. Secondary securing means, such as toggle bolts 46 or the like, are then extended through rear flap 40 as secondary securing means to retain panel 25 in proper position and wholly wall supported without the necessity of additional braces to the floor or ceiling.

Wall panel 26 is generally similar in configurationto previously described panel 25 with the exception of the fact that it comprises a panel 50 which has a top flange 51 and an adjustable front flange 52, similar to that shown in FIG. 10, to be described hereinafter, forming a stile, extending only from one side thereof, so that panel 50 rests flush against a wall 53, to which it may be secured in any desired conventional manner, and which is supported by a slot 54 formed in a thickened rear wall 55, similar to the previously described slot 43 in wall 42. Slot 54 extends through panel 50, when the panel is mounted in flush relation against a wall. Suitable securing means such as the previously described keys 44 and wedges 45, as well as the toggle bolts or similar devices 46 may be employed to secure wall panel member 26 to support 30.

End panel 24 is similar in construction to panel 25 and includes a panel or partition 57 which is broadened at its outer edge to form :a front flange or stile 58, and which is also provided with a top flange 59. A slot 60 in a thickened rear wall 64 surrounded by flange 61 accommodates the stem 32 of T-shaped fastening member 30. However, in this case, the slot does not extend through the panelor partition member 57, so as to leave the latte-r flush and plain on its outer side. A relatively narrow flange 62 forms a part of stile 58, and-extends beyond the outer or open side of panel 57, and is complemented by a top flange 63 of similar width, as well as a rear flange, and in certain instances a bottom flange to provide a neat and uniform appearance when viewed from its outer or open side. The means of mounting open end partition 24 are identical with those described in connection with dividing panel 25.

Adjustable stile 22 is employed on walls or the like where no dividing partition is necessary, and comprises, as best shown in FIGURE 10, a generally T-shaped member which includes a head 65 which is secured as by means of toggle bolts 66 or other similar conventional elements to the wall 20, and a stem 67. One branch of the head 65 is provided with a channel or groove 68 into which extends an edge of a stile panel 6, which is secured to stem 67 by means of bolts, screws, or other fastenings 70, the arrangement being such that the stile panel 69 may be cut to any desired width to accommodate the width of door 23.

Compartments 16 and 17 are obviously provided with suitable facilities 21 which may 'be employed in any desired arrangement or combination, the elements 21 being schematic representations of toilets, urinals, wash basins, shower facilities, or any other utility which it may be desired to contain within a compartment.

FIGURES 5, 6, and 7 disclose a slightly modified form of wall support and panel mounted thereon, there being illustrated only a panel or partition, generally indicated at 71, corresponding in function and position to the panel 25, it being understood that the other component elements, such as panels 26 and 24, generally conform in this modified form of the invention. 1

Panel or partition 71 includes a divider or panel 72 which is provided with a top flange 73, a front flange 74 being a stile, a bottom flange 75, and a rear flange 76. Rear flange 76 has a slot 77 cut thereinto as best seen in FIGURE 6, the slot also extending into divider or panel 72, and being dimensioned to receive the horizontal leg 78 of an angle iron or other material of similar shape, generally indicated at 79, and including a vertical flange 80. Slot 77 is surrounded by a boss or flange 81 which corresponds to the flange 42 surrounding slot 43. In this modification the key 44 and wedges 45 are omitted, and flange 81 is secured directly to horizontal leg 78 of support member 79 by means of through or set bolts 82 or similar articles. Vertical leg 80 is secured to the wall by means of similar toggle bolts with related devices 83.

As in the foregoing modification, secondary fastening means taking the form of toggle bolts or other suitable fastenings 84 may be provided extending through flange 76 directly into the wall associated therewith.

In this modification, the angle shape support member 79 is preferably covered between flanges 81 by a plastic shield or covering 85, which may also be made of other suitable materials, which enhances the ornamental appearance of the compartment. It is to be understood that support member 30 may be similarly covered, if desired.

FIGURES 8 and 9 disclose a panel and support construction identical to that of the modification immediately above described in connection with FIGURES 5, 6, and 7, with the exception of the fact that thin panels or sheets 87 exaggerated in thickness in the drawing for clarity of illustration, are cemented to the wall of the compartmented room over areas that are not covered by the partition component. Such panels are preferably, though not necessarily, made of the same material as the partition components and normally are cemented in place prior to the erection of the partition components. Panels 87 serve to enhance the appearance of the compartments as well as facilitate cleaning of the same. Support 79 is mounted and panel 71 secured thereto in a manner identical to that disclosed in connection with the preceding modification.

FIGURE 9 also discloses an end panel 90 corresponding to previously described open end panel 24 which has a slotted flange 91 and a rear flange 92, the slotted flange 91 fitting over the horizontal leg 78 of support 79 in the same manner described in conjunction with panel 71.

While the invention has heretofore been described particularly in connection with toilet compartments, it will be understood that it also has applicability to hospital cubicles, shower compartments, dressing room compartments, fitting room compartments, examination room compartments, and any other application where a partitioned area for privacy is desired or required.

Similarly, while the invention has been described particularly in connection with molded plastic partitions, it is to be understood that partitions of any other material suitable for such purposes may be employed when necessary or desirable.

From the foregoing it will now be seen that there is herein provided a wholly wall supported toilet compartment partition together with a method of making and installing the same, which accomplishes all of the objects of this invention, and others, including many advantages of great practical utility andcommercial importance.

As many embodiments may be made of this inventive concept, and as many modifications may be made in the embodiments hereinbefore shown and described, it is to be understood that all matter herein is to be interpreted merely as illustrative, and not in a limiting sense.

I claim:

1. A wall mounted partition structure comprising a rear vertical wall,

a single transverse supporting member having a vertical back member and a horizontally extending flange supported solely by and positioned on the surface of said wall and extending generally horizontally and forming an elongated supporting track,

a plurality of partition members supported by said transverse supporting member, each partition member having a slot receiving said horizontal flange of said supporting member so that each partition member is completely supported by said single support and is transversely slidable and adjustable on said single support,

and means securing said partitions in adjusted positions on said supporting members.

2. The structure set forth in claim 1 including aligned interengaging means between said supporting member and the slot of each partition member.

3. The structure of claim 1 wherein said partitions are comprised of integrally formed molded plastic.

References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS 581,734 5/1897 Keiser 52-204 950,657 3/1910 Cable 52-6 22 1,304,013 5/1919 Betz 52-285 1,568,944 1/1926 Beebe 5265 1,927,787 9/1933 Johnson 52238 2,138,291 11/1938 Callaghan 52290 2,865,476 12/1958 Schooler 52-27 2,978,758 4/1961 Dunn 5213 FRANK L. ABBOTT, Primary Examiner. WILLIAM I. MUSHAKE, Examiner. J. L. RIDGILL, Assistant Examiner, 

1. A WALL MOUNTED PARTITION STRUCTURE COMPRISING A REAR VERTICAL WALL, A SINGLE TRANSVERSE SUPPORTING MEMBER HAVING A VERTICAL BACK MEMBER AND A HORIZONTALLY EXTENDING FLANGE SUPPORTED SOLELY BY AND POSITIONED ON THE SURFACE OF SAID WALL AND EXTENDING GENERALLY HORIZONTALLY AND FORMING AN ELONGATED SUPPORTING TRACK, A PLURALITY OF PARTITION MEMBERS SUPPORTED BY SAID TRANSVERSE SUPPORTING MEMBER, EACH PARTITION MEMBER HAVING A SLOT RECEIVING SAID HORIZONTAL FLANGE OF SAID SUPPORTING MEMBER SO THAT EACH PARTITION MEMBER IS COMPLETELY SUPPORTED BY SAID SINGLE SUPPORT AND IS TRANSVERSELY SLIDABLE AND ADJUSTABLE ON SAID SINGLE SUPPORT, AND MEANS SECURING SAID PARTITIONS IN ADJUSTED POSITIONS ON SAID SUPPORTING MEMBERS. 